How to Be Your Best on Zoom: Part 1 — Setting the Stage
We are all on a LOT of Zoom calls these days. However, there’s much more to being your best on a video call than having your favorite shirt on and a little makeup. In this first of three parts, let’s talk about getting your space set up correctly.
Location
Make sure your location is professional. If possible, try not to be in a bedroom, family room or kitchen. If it’s necessary, however, play with angles that don’t reveal anything too personal. And NEVER do a professional Zoom call from your bed or a couch!
Some ideal spots in your home.
Home office or multi-purpose room. This is the most ideal, professional environment. Make sure it’s not too dark like a library or den.
Dining room. Especially if it’s not a completely open concept, the big space and table makes it feel like you are in your own conference room.
Living room. This room tends to be more formal, has good lighting and is typically less cluttered than a family room.
Entry. If you can control people from coming and going, it can be an ideal location. Especially in smaller homes, it’s typically somewhat enclosed (good to keep sound from echoing) and not cluttered.
Porch. The natural lighting is amazing on porches. An enclosed or 3-season porch is ideal. Just don’t be outside competing with animal and bird sounds, wind, traffic and other distractions. Also pay attention to lighting at different times a day. You don’t want the sun directly in your face during a video call.
Background
Simple is best. If you have a smaller space (as I do), ensure that it’s tidy and/or move some things out of the way for the call, which I do frequently!
Make sure the background is light. Avoid dark rooms or places with heavy and dark furniture.
Be cautious of the digital/virtual backgrounds that are available. They can look unprofessional and distracting if they aren’t done well. For instance, as much as I’d like to be there (sigh), I’m not going to use the beach behind me on a professional call.
Avoid doors in the background in case of an accidental appearance. We all remember this!
Add houseplants. They can do wonders to add a little height and give a natural, fresh look. There’s something about that feng shui, too. They just make you happy. If you can’t keep a plant alive, try an artificial one! I use an IKEA floor plant to conceal the back of my TV since I live in one room.
Hang art. If there’s a blank wall behind you, consider hanging a piece of art. And it doesn’t have to be pricey or expensively framed. Relocate a piece from another part of your house or just pick up something at HomeGoods or Target that adds a little visual interest behind you. Abstract or subtle is best--you’re not looking to have an art conversation on a business call. :-)
Framing
Ideally, position the camera straight on or slightly above you, pointing downward for the most flattering angle. If the camera is angled up at you, you’ll show off your nose hair and create a big chin! Be careful to not have too much of a downward angle though, or you can look like a cartoon character with a big head and small shoulders/upper body.
Ensure you are centered in the frame, with not too much wall or ceiling above your head. And don’t be too far away; we want to see your face and expressions! Ideally, showing your upper ⅓ is best (head and shoulders).
Lighting
Ensure there is light all around you. Natural light is best but don’t have a window behind you. The camera will expose and make you into a silhouette. It can also accentuate facial lines, create shadows, and makes you squint.
Add a ring light behind your computer. There are many inexpensive versions out there. I have a $40 one from Amazon that height adjusts. I also have a small, $25 one that clips right onto my monitor. Most have cool, warm and clear light options so you can find one that is the best for your skin tone.
Play with your lighting set up at different times of the day. Since natural lighting changes how it comes through windows throughout the day, you may have to adjust. For instance, I sit in front of a southwest-facing window on the 15th floor, which is amazing in the morning. However, it’s a disaster in the afternoon as the sun is setting. I typically change my location at that time of day if I can.
Log onto the meeting a couple minutes early and make adjustments if necessary. Hey, since you’re not walking from room to room for meetings, that’s doable, isn’t it?!
Sound
The most common sound mistake? The speakers are too loud. It creates feedback. Ask attendees if your sound level is good, especially if you will be talking a lot.
Try not to be in a large, open space with hard surfaces. Sound bounces and echos and you can sound like you’re in a can. Soft surfaces like curtains, couches and rugs all absorb sound...
Computer microphones are typically good these days, but if you’re not happy with how you sound on calls, you could purchase a desktop microphone...often used by podcasters. Again, there are some reasonably-priced desktop versions. I use the Blue Yeti Nano. However, earbuds with a mic attached are typically sufficient. The microphone is close to your mouth and the earbuds eliminate echo.
Mute your sound when not talking so people can’t hear you typing or other accidental sounds that happen in the background. It’s distracting to everyone!
